Cuzco

Cuzco

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Abbreviated Cultural Note

Cuzco

Although Cuzco is located at an altitude of 11,152 feet above sea level, the climate is mild. Frost is uncommon even during the coldest months of June and July. Cuzco was the ancient capital of the Inca empire. This empire stretched from Ecuador to Chile and probably had a population of about 10 million at the time of the Spanish conquest of the city in 1533. In 1650, earthquakes destroyed nearly all of the buildings of Cuzco. Modern day Cuzco is linked to Arequipa by rail, and with Lima by air and road. Today, in the area surrounding Cuzco, potatoes and grains are cultivated and sheep, alpaca, and llama are herded. The current population approaches 300,000.